Brief summary of activity
This is an activity that challenges the participant to discover the equipment in the studio and find how it works, as participants are giving task to carry out without previous instruction.
Aim of the activity
To demystify studio equipment to trainees. Participants will learn about equipment in the studio, how it is connected to the desk and basic instructions to operate it.
Expected Outcomes
Identify necessary studio equipment and its purpose
Understand the basic layout of equipment in studio
Build a rudimentary studio using the basic studio equipment
Understand health & safety issues in studio
Generate a list of studio rules
Identify the equipment in the studio
Use faders
Use headphones and monitors to correctly adjust levels
Health and Safety in the studio
Studio protocols
Experience and skills required
The trainer needs to be familiar with studio equipment and studio desk operation.
Infrastructure, setting, resources
Radio studio: Basic Mixing Desk, Computer/laptop, and/or a portable recording device, microphones, all necessary leads, small mic stands, CD player, Headphones.
Length
2 hours
Material
CDs, MP3, some recordings
How the activity should take place
The Trainer explains the name of each piece of equipment, starting by the desk, and as the trainer assembles a small studio. When they are finished, they show how the different elements are operated from the desk.
To finish, the trainer takes the studio apart while asking the group the name of each part of equipment and their use. The group is then divided in smaller groups and they are asked to repeat the exercise, demonstrate the use of studio equipment including microphones, headphones, faders, CD playout, etc.
Record and playback short clip of audio in the “Studio”
Note good practice such as distance from microphones, use of headphones at all times etc.
Trainer Input 30 minutes
Give a short tour of your community radio studio. Explain the reasons for certain equipment positioned in particular places (ease of access to presenter etc.)
It may be helpful to refer to the following controls: Faders, Meters, Cue, Buttons, Headphone, Socket, Gain, Pots…
Outline the system of each channel labeling, showing which fader controls which piece of equipment.
Explain the importance of each presenter checking the levels prior to broadcasting as the previous presenter may have altered the positions.
Refer to the station’s handbook to explain the requirements of the Health and Safety Policy. Explain the reasons for these rules. Using your station’s handbook explain to the participants the value of having a protocol while using the station.
You may wish to highlight the following areas:
Mobile phone usage
Talking outside studio
Courtesy to other presenters and guests
Respecting the equipment
Internet usage and download of illegal files
Thanking and introducing fellow presenters
The procedure for logging any faults with the equipment
Food & drink in studio
Recommended max. number of participants and trainees to trainers ratio
1 to 1
Tips for Trainers
Keep it simple. A difficult object/figure might make the game so long and you really only need the game as a prop to get people engage with the studio.
Analysis and evaluation
Check if participants are able to:
1. identify necessary studio equipment and its purpose
2. understand the basic layout of equipment in studio
3. build a rudimentary studio using the basic studio equipment
4. understand health & safety issues in studio
5. generate a list of studio rules
6. identify the equipment in the studio
7. use faders
8. use headphones and monitors to correctly adjust levels?
Scheduling
Any time during the training